10 October 1997 Voluntary severances to accompany 'repositioning' at Lincoln University

Lincoln University is to initiate a voluntary severance and early retirement programme as part of its recently announced repositioning strategy.

The University has adopted a business plan which provides a sharper focus on its core business and incorporates a number of internal changes designed to provide flexibility of delivery.

The proposed new structure includes the establishment of three new schools and the reconfiguring of 14 academic departments into six Groups.

"In addition to a desire to implement strategies which will allow Lincoln University to capitalise on the future possibilities of the market, Lincoln has acknowledged that long-term viability could only be ensured by an adjustment to our current levels of staffing," said Dr Frank Wood, Vice-Chancellor of the University.

"Lincoln University's staff:student ratio is currently the highest of any university in New Zealand.

"This can't be sustained in an environment in which the government is progressively reducing the funding of students. Lincoln University has also absorbed a major reclassification of subjects which has cost the University $3 million in the past two years," said Dr Wood.

In a move similar to that undertaken by Otago University twelve months ago, Lincoln has announced to staff that the opportunity for voluntary severance and early retirement will be offered.

Peter Dwan, Director of Community Relations, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand